More money from royalties (whatever percentage of a 30-40$ hardcover is more than the same percentage of a 10-15$ paperback), as well as recognition and prestige. It also stands out more in the book store ("wow look at that nice big book there").

I recently completed the Resurrection and I enjoyed it all the way to the end. You certainly brought out the devious nature of the Drow well. Other thing of note was the demons. From the Cale books and now this I've noted that you seem to have a knack for fleshing out various Abyssal creatures. They have their own devious and repulsive nature (from human POV), but still they're likeable in their own way. Especially when they've been given a personality, just like the lead demon of the story (sorry, can't recall the name right now).One can only wonder Aliiza's cryptic comment about what to do with Pharaun's fingers.

As Alisstair mentioned, if all other things are equal, hardcovers do generate more per-unit royalties for the author than paperbacks, but that's not really my reason (and all things are not equal, because paperbacks and hardcovers are not perfect substitutes in the marketplace). I think -- and I base this on no research and only anecdotal evidence -- that there is, for any given book, a potentially untapped market of readers, some of whom would be picked up by a hardcover release. Why do I say that?

Because for any given paperback release, there are some potential readers who don't buy it because they want to buy only those releases that they consider "big" or that are authored by what the reader perceives as one of the line's "top" authors. But "big" and "top" are subjective terms, and (I speculate) are somewhat determined by whether the release or the author previously has been published in hardcover. On that basis (and I acknowledge that I'm speculating far afield here), a hardcover release of a Cale trilogy might pick up some readers who otherwise don't pick up the Cale books because they are in paperback and tell more of a character's story rather than the story of an event -- ergo, they are in the readers' minds neither big nor authored by a top author.

Now I'll take issue with my own position: the authors that WotC publishes in hardcover currently (and I can think of only three: EC, Bob, and Ed) have proven sales records, write quality novels, and have done all of that first with paperback releases, with the hardcover releases following afterward, as their careers and audiences became well established. In other words, they earned the hardcover credits by establishing a big enough audience in paperback that it made sense to WotC to publish future releases (or rereleases) in hardcover. This obviously is somewhat at odds with my argument. So Paul, why don't you sell enough books that WotC will publish you in hardcover?

The short answer: Not sure, but I'm trying! The longer answer may be, in part, that the current marketplace is *very crowded* with fantasy. Lots of choices among a finite pool of readers means a smaller audience for any given author, unless that author is one of the biggies. And becoming a biggie is that much tougher in a very crowded marketplace. So I think (possibly) that in today's marketplace, a publisher willing to take a chance on one or more of their authors by giving him or her a hardcover release might actually expand that author's audience (for the reasons that I set forth above), rather than just reallocating it amongst hardcover and paperback purchasers in the previously established audience.

In sum, I guess I'm saying that given today's marketplace, it might make some sense for a publisher to try to create a new "big author" by pushing some releases into hardcover, thereby helping to distinguish the author, rather than waiting for a new author to become a biggie in an increasingly diffuse marketplace.

Make any sense at all? Anyway, just an opinion, and we know all about those.

As Alisstair mentioned, if all other things are equal, hardcovers do generate more per-unit royalties for the author than paperbacks, but that's not really my reason (and all things are not equal, because paperbacks and hardcovers are not perfect substitutes in the marketplace). I think -- and I base this on no research and only anecdotal evidence -- that there is, for any given book, a potentially untapped market of readers, some of whom would be picked up by a hardcover release. Why do I say that?

Because for any given paperback release, there are some potential readers who don't buy it because they want to buy only those releases that they consider "big" or that are authored by what the reader perceives as one of the line's "top" authors. But "big" and "top" are subjective terms, and (I speculate) are somewhat determined by whether the release or the author previously has been published in hardcover. On that basis (and I acknowledge that I'm speculating far afield here), a hardcover release of a Cale trilogy might pick up some readers who otherwise don't pick up the Cale books because they are in paperback and tell more of a character's story rather than the story of an event -- ergo, they are in the readers' minds neither big nor authored by a top author.

Now I'll take issue with my position: the authors that WotC publishes in hardcover currently (and I can think of only three: EC, Bob, and Ed) have proven sales records, write quality novels, and have done all of that first with paperback releases, with the hardcover releases following after, as their careers and audiences became well established. In other words, they earned the hardcover credits by establishing a big enough audience in paperback that it made sense to WotC to publish future releases (or rereleases) in hardcover. This obviously is somewhat at odds with my argument. So Paul, why don't you sell enough books that WotC will publish you in hardcover?

The short answer: I'm trying! The longer answer is, in part, that the marketplace is *crowded* with fantasy. Lots of choices among a finite pool of readers means a smaller audience for any given author, unless that author is one of the biggies. And becoming a biggie is that much tougher in a very crowded marketplace. So I think that if a publisher was willing to take a chance on one or more of their authors by giving him or her a hardcover release, that very fact might actually expand that author's audience (for the reasons that I set forth above), rather than just reallocating it amongst hardcover and paperback purchasers in the previously established audience.

In sum, I guess I'm saying that given today's marketplace, it might make some sense for a publisher to try to create a new "big author" by pushing some releases into hardcover, rather than waiting for a new author to become a biggie in an increasingly diffuse marketplace.

Make any sense at all? Anyway, just an opinion, and we know all about those.

Ah yes, a paradox. That's what this is. In any case, I believe Cale/Kemp is deserving, based on having read your stuff and from the accolades given you by a multitude of FR fans on message boards. I can't base this on sales unfortunately as I don't have access to such. I'm quite certain that Ressurection, like it's predecessors, is a New York Times best seller. It better be anyways lol (despite that it might be partially because of having R.A.Salvatore appearing on the covers as well).

Oh and on a different note, Paul good sir, Erevis Cale reminds me of the wrestler "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. A bald, bad ass good guy lol. That's about the only similarities though (unless you plan on making Cale wave his middle finger at demons before slicing them up lol).

Well without a doubt, you're definately one of the top FR authors as far as i'm concerned and i'm sure many agree. I've said this before, but I believe that the flavor of FR novels has changed over the past few years to a much more mature and darker feel, and this was initially noticable with Shadows Witness (and indeed much of the Sembia series). Cale is an amazing character and i'd love to see him in hardcover some day. You certainly deserve it!

Lord Rad

"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"

quote:Originally posted by AlisttairI'm quite certain that Ressurection, like it's predecessors, is a New York Times best seller. It better be anyways lol (despite that it might be partially because of having R.A.Salvatore appearing on the covers as well).

It is, check the thread devoted to the novel or the author's blog for details.

Paul, I know the following is a complete geek question, but if you would consider answering it would be much appreciated.

Jak Fleet mentions that he is from Mistledale and also mentions that his mother still lives there. Where might she live in Mistledale, and does Jak have other family there?

I often throw cameos at my players that is only background material to see if they catch the reference, and since they live in Mistledale I would love for them to bump into the Fleet family.

Thanks!

KnightErrant,

My notes say that Jackert Fleet hails from a small, lakeside hamlet in Mistledale named Stumphill, called such for the dead elm whose leafless bole stands solitary sentinel on the village's "lookout" hill. Jak's father kept bees (and had a full-on apiary) and fished the lake. You won't find Stumphill on any map, however, because I invented it when putting together Jak's background for the Sembia series.

Jak's father passed to Halfling's Rest a while back, as did his elder brother Cobdon (Cob). His mother, last Jak knew (though he has been away from home a long time), was alive and well and living in Stumphill with Jak's younger, unmarried sister (Lis), and his younger brother (Holt). A couple aunts, uncles, and several cousins (all on his mother's side)also call Stumphill home, and at least a couple of the youngest cousins show some signs of having inherited the same wanderlust that infected Jak.

Paul, I just have to say, having read your blog, not only did you recently win me over as one of my all time favorite Realms authors with your Erevas Cale books, but anyone who is inspired by Led Zepplin lyrics (especially Led Zepplin lyrics inspired by Tolkien, which brings the whole thing around in a weird full circle) is a true Sage indeed.

"Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder."--Saint Thomas Aquinas

Paul, I just have to say, having read your blog, not only did you recently win me over as one of my all time favorite Realms authors with your Erevas Cale books, but anyone who is inspired by Led Zepplin lyrics (especially Led Zepplin lyrics inspired by Tolkien, which brings the whole thing around in a weird full circle) is a true Sage indeed.

Indeed a sad moment to see Paul leaving the halls of Candlekeep. As Wooly Rupert stated, I also hope that Paul returns here soon. One of the greatest authors of the Realms, in my humble opinion.

I'd like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all at Candlekeep, to thank Paul for his time here at the library and for all the time and effort he has spent to respond to the numerous questions and queries from his fans.

Greetings to the author, I have certainly enjoyed reading your works and they are indeed fantastic pieces of work that really kind of captivated my imagination and dreams, especially the Erevis Cale Trilogy.

If the author does not mind my asking and permits me to ask this question, can I humbly ask is there any tips or snippets of information about the Twilight War Trilogy, I apologize if this question is found to be offensive. Thanks.

Who actually does wonder just how far afield Erevis Cale has wandered across the Realms...or is he strictly an Inner Sea fella?

Well, looks like he's heading to Anauroch in the next trilogy for a spot of tea and biscuits with the Shades of Thultanthar. Oh, and Paul please have the actual citizens of said city call it Thultanthar as per LEoF. Shade is so ... Slade and 2E.

-- George Krashos

"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus

StevenWho actually does wonder just how far afield Erevis Cale has wandered across the Realms...or is he strictly an Inner Sea fella?

Steven, other than a sojourn in the Abyss, the Plane of Shadow, and Skullport, Cale has spent most of his life in the Inner Sea area (Westgate, Selgaunt, and a brief stint in Starmantle). The next trilogy may result in his becoming more widely travelled.

Greetings to the author, I have certainly enjoyed reading your works and they are indeed fantastic pieces of work that really kind of captivated my imagination and dreams, especially the Erevis Cale Trilogy.

If the author does not mind my asking and permits me to ask this question, can I humbly ask is there any tips or snippets of information about the Twilight War Trilogy, I apologize if this question is found to be offensive. Thanks.

Hammerfist,

I'm quite difficult to offend generally, and certainly asking questions about my work is NOT offensive. And please call me "Paul."

Second, "The Twilight War" will pick up some threads established in "Midnight's Mask" (the third and final book of the first Cale trilogy) and will feature the surviving characters from that book (as well as some others). It will also feature the Shadovar of Thultanthar and events of significance for all of the Realms. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to say much else at this time. Careful readers and loremasters of the Realms will no doubt deduce some things from "Midnight's Mask," when it is released in November.